In 1959, Ross was brought to the attention of Milton Jenkins, the manager of the local doo-wop group The Primes, by Mary Wilson. Primes member Paul Williams convinced Jenkins to enlist Ross in the sister group The Primettes, which included Wilson, Florence Ballard and Betty McGlown.
In 1976, Billboard magazine named her the female entertainer of the century. In 1993, The Guinness Book Of World Records listed her as the most successful female artist ever (the title is now attributed to Madonna), partly due to her combined total of eighteen number-one singles, six of them recorded solo and the remaining dozen from her work with the Supremes.
Ross was also one of the few pop singers to find modest success in the acting world winning an Academy Award nomination for her role as Billie Holiday in the 1972 film, "Lady Sings the Blues" as well as having hits with other film roles such as "Mahogany", "Out of Darkness" and "Double Platinum", not to mention her role in "The Wiz".
Ross has been awarded many lifetime achievement accolades from many organizations and media outlets: she has been featured on BET, Soul Train, and awarded multiple times at the NAACP Image Awards, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007 and given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement in 2011.
Ross' professional vocal collaborators have included the following during her career: Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, and Smokey Robinson, among many others.
Say We Can
Diana Ross Lyrics
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Say we can
Say yes
We can
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
I'm the type who takes love literally
If it's there I take it to the max
So if this is a propositioning
I recommend you understand the facts
Are you just posing
As a dream
The silly games
That people scheme
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
I like romance to spell tomorrow
Just want a thrill I'll read a book, yeah
So if it's a good time you're after
I suggest you take another look
Oh the things
We put ourselves through
So we can find out
Who should be with you
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
Listen, in my time I've seen them all
Go and come
Come and go
Listen, passing through revolving doors
Could it be
What I'm really waiting for
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
Just say we can
Say we can
Say yes
We can
The lyrics to Diana Ross's song "Say We Can" convey a sense of willingness and optimism to take on new challenges and opportunities. The repetitive use of the phrase "Just say we can" emphasizes this theme of determination and the power of positive thinking. Ross's mention of taking love literally and wanting to experience excitement and romance in relationships further reinforces this idea of seizing the moment and embracing possibilities.
At the same time, Ross acknowledges the risks and uncertainties of pursuing new ventures. She questions whether the person she's addressing is truly genuine in their intentions or just playing games, and suggests that sometimes we have to go through difficult experiences to figure out what truly matters to us. The allusions to revolving doors and indecisiveness further underscore this idea of uncertainty, but the repeated refrain of "Say we can" reminds us that we can overcome these challenges and make progress towards our goals.
Overall, "Say We Can" is an uplifting song that encourages listeners to stay positive, embrace opportunities, and stay committed even in the face of setbacks and obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Just say we can
I need your commitment and assurance that we can make this work. Let’s say we can and move forward.
Say we can
Affirm that we can achieve whatever we set our heart and mind to together.
Say yes
Agree with me that we are capable of overcoming any obstacles that come our way on this journey.
We can
We have the power, determination and spirit to succeed. Let’s take on the challenge and achieve our dreams.
I'm the type who takes love literally
I am someone who believes in true love and commitment. If I fall for someone, I go all out.
If it's there I take it to the max
If I find love, I am fully invested in it and ready to make the most of the opportunity.
So if this is a propositioning
If you are asking me to take a chance on love with you, I need to make sure we are on the same page.
I recommend you understand the facts
I need you to know what you are getting into when you express your intentions to me. Let’s be clear on what this relationship is going to be like.
Are you just posing
Is this love for real or are you playing games with my heart? I need to know.
As a dream
Is this relationship just a fantasy or is it based on something real and meaningful? Let’s be honest with ourselves.
The silly games
Let’s not waste time playing games with each other. Let’s be honest and upfront, even if it’s hard.
That people scheme
There are always people trying to undermine our relationship or come between us. We need to focus on what matters most.
I like romance to spell tomorrow
I want romance that is enduring and meaningful, not just a fling. I want something that will last a lifetime.
Just want a thrill I'll read a book, yeah
I don’t need frivolous entertainment to satisfy me. I am content with a deep and lasting love that will sustain me for years to come.
So if it's a good time you're after
If you are looking for a fun fling or a casual relationship, I am not interested. I want something real and meaningful.
I suggest you take another look
If you are not ready for a serious and committed relationship, it’s best if we move on to separate paths.
Oh the things
Love can create both beautiful and challenging moments.
We put ourselves through
We must go through ups and downs to find the right person for us.
So we can find out
We must be willing to put in the effort to discover if we are truly meant to be together.
Who should be with you
We need to figure out if we are truly a good match for each other, both emotionally and intellectually.
Listen, in my time I've seen them all
I have been through various relationships and emotional experiences in my life. I know what I need and what works for me.
Go and come
People will come and go, but it’s important to be true to yourself and your values.
Come and go
Relationships will come and go, but if you stay true to yourself and your values, you’ll find the right person eventually.
Listen, passing through revolving doors
Life is full of changes and uncertainties. People come and go, and it can be challenging to keep up.
Could it be
I wonder if the love I seek is just around the corner, waiting for me to take the next step forward.
What I'm really waiting for
I am waiting for that genuine, perfect love that will last a lifetime. That special someone that will complete me.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind